Hunters exploring Unit 17 in Idaho should be mindful of the remote and rugged terrain, which significantly influences access and game movement. The availability of permits varies annually, but usually, hunters can apply and then purchase a permit if unsuccessful in the draw process, allowing flexibility in planning. Wolf presence is a concern among hunters due to its potential impact on deer and elk populations, so carrying a wolf tag might be beneficial. Access is particularly challenging due to road conditions affected by snow and spring runoff, making transportation by horses, pack animals, or potentially watercraft a recommended strategy for reaching deeper hunting zones, although river currents and elevation drops pose their own challenges.
| species | general Size | trophy potential |
|---|---|---|
| Mule Deer | 140"-160" | 170"+ |
| Whitetail Deer | 120"-140" | 140"+ |
| Elk | 260"-300" | 300"+ |
High
Low
This is the largest unit in the Selway Elk Management Zone and includes hundreds of square miles of two wilderness areas famous for elk hunting — Selway-Bitterroot and Frank Church-River of No Return. Mule and whitetail deer also live here.
This is one of the few places in the West where hunters who buy over-the-counter rifle tags can hunt bull elk during the rut and also in October and November. Hunters rarely take a trophy size mule deer or whitetail deer, but can enjoy a long season. Hunting on main trails can be crowded, especially in September. Slightly more than half of bucks taken by hunters are whitetail deer. Most of the unit is so remote that pack animals are necessary.
Almost the entire unit is composed of mountains. Most ridges are 5,000-6,000 in altitude, and rivers such as the Selway and the Middle Fork of the Clearwater. The sides of the river canyons are typically steep and rugged. A few peaks are 7,500 to more than 8,500 feet above sea level.
No motorized or wheeled vehicles are allowed in the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. A network of trails in the wilderness allow hunters to reach hundreds of square miles of elk country. No wilderness permits are required, but certified weed-free feed must be provided for livestock. Hunters are advised to call a Forest Service district office for details on fire, camping, group size or grazing restrictions. Hunters can drive to the edge of Unit 17 at Selway Falls on Falls Point Road.
Brush, grass and trees, including ponderosa pines, line the Selway and Middle Fork of the Clearwater Rivers. Slopes above are typically heavily forested by firs, cedars, pines and spruces. Some old burns feature heavy brush and young trees. Aspens are rare. Much of the forest floor is sterile and bear grass, also called elk grass, takes up a great deal of acreage. High mountains are mostly rocky and open with scattered trees, willows, forbs and wildflowers.
Roughly 1,517 square miles
100% public land
Elevations from 3,800-8,700 feet
No ATVs or any wheeled vehicles are allowed in the wilderness
Four-wheel drive is recommended
To hunt effectively hunters must camp in the backcountry. Many outfitters and do-it-yourself hunters with plenty of horses use wall tents. Hunters who lead pack animals often resort to backpack-style tents. Selway Falls Campground is a mile from the wilderness boundary on the Selway River and has seven campsites. Several campgrounds are along the Magruder Corridor, which runs through the lower half of Unit 17 and separates the Frank Church-River of No Return Wilderness and the Selway-Bitterroot Wilderness. Download a guide to corridor campgrounds here.